pusillanimous

[ pyoo-suh-lan-uh-muhs ]
/ ˌpyu səˈlæn ə məs /

adjective

lacking courage or resolution; cowardly; faint-hearted; timid.
proceeding from or indicating a cowardly spirit.

Origin of pusillanimous

1580–90; < Late Latin pusillanimis petty-spirited, equivalent to Latin pusill(us) very small, petty + -anim(is) -spirited, -minded ( anim(us) spirit + -is adj. suffix); see -ous

SYNONYMS FOR pusillanimous

1 timorous, fearful, frightened.

OTHER WORDS FROM pusillanimous

pu·sil·lan·i·mous·ly, adverb

Words nearby pusillanimous

pushrod, pushto, pushtu, pushy, pusillanimity, pusillanimous, puskas, puss, puss in the corner, puss moth, pussy

Example sentences from the Web for pusillanimously

British Dictionary definitions for pusillanimously

pusillanimous
/ (ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs) /

adjective

characterized by a lack of courage or determination

Derived forms of pusillanimous

pusillanimity (ˌpjuːsɪləˈnɪmɪtɪ), noun pusillanimously, adverb

Word Origin for pusillanimous

C16: from Late Latin pusillanimis from Latin pusillus weak + animus courage